Female rocker Shirley Manson took to her Facebook page on Monday to go after rapper Kanye West for dismissing Beck as an artist, describing him as “small and petty,” among other things.
Alternative rock artist Beck took home the Album of the Year award at Sunday night’s Grammys, but in accepting the accolade, Beck inadvertently drew the ire of Kanye West.
In a rant after the show, Kanye blasted both the Grammys and Beck, who he said needed to “respect artistry” and “should’ve given his award to Beyoncé.”
Manson, formerly of the rock group Garbage, has a message for West:
Dear Kanye West
It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry.
You disrespect your own remarkable talents and more importantly you disrespect the talent, hard work and tenacity of all artists when you go so rudely and savagely after such an accomplished and humble artist like BECK.
You make yourself look small and petty and spoilt.
In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own.
Grow up and stop throwing your toys around.
You are making yourself look like a complete t–t.
She finishes, saying, “Ps.I am pretty certain Beyonce doesn’t need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she’s got everything covered perfectly well on her own.”
West, who similarly attacked country/pop singer Taylor Swift at MTV’s 2009 video Music Awards, told E! News:
I just know that the Grammys, if they want real artists to keep coming back, they need to stop playing with us. We ain’t gonna play with them no more.
Flawless Beyoncé video and Beck needs to respect artistry, and he should’ve given his award to Beyoncé.
We tired of it. When you keep on diminishing art and not respecting the craft, and smacking people in the face after they deliver monumental feats of music – you’re disrespectful to inspiration.